I have 2 kids on the autism spectrum. So its pretty much a given that I am paranoid about kid #3. DS2 just turned 13 months and I am legitimately worried about him...I need to hear from others to know if I am just being paranoid or if I'm right to be worried.
Here is the rundown:
-does not wave hello/goodbye
-says mama and dada but no other words
-isn't pointing
-isn't using any other gestures like shaking head
-doesn't like being read to
-screams to be held allllllll the time. Little interest in playing for the most part because he would rather just be in my lap.

Things that are great:
-fine and gross motor seem to be right on target.
-eats everything, no food sensory issues like my other 2
-great eye contact
-likes peek a boo

I fear that the things he does have, he will lose when he hits 15-18 months. My other two were still on target with development at 12 months, then regressed. So I know what a typical kid at this age is like and I'm just not seeing him as typical right now...i feel more like he is a 9 month old or something. Which makes me fear that he will regress and end up even worse off.

Am I crazy? Am I so used to dealing with special needs that I'm seeing a problem where it doesn't exist? Our am I being realistic, especially considering family history?

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Sabrina Nate
Gabriella (1/23/07) and Robbie (2/9/10) and William (1/23/12) I BLOG about life with 2 (maybe 3!) kids on the autism spectrum- The joys, the frustrations, the truth, the flapping!

Have you seen a geneticist? After the second child was diagnosed your ped should have referred you to one. Autism definitely has a genetic component and can run in some families. If you are planning on having any more children a genetic consult is something you definitely need to do although honestly I would pursue it either way just so you can get a better picture of your children's future.

I'm not sure about the developmental aspect. It has been a long time since I had a baby and my only child has severe global developmental delays from infancy onward.

If I was in your shoes I would probably go from the assumption that he will be on the spectrum somewhere. Keep looking into what they recommend to improve communication in that age and whatever other areas you are worried about.

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Suzi, working mama to my ODS(2004) , YDS(2006), DSD(2004) and married to the love of my life